Urgent clinical advice
You said... We did
We are committed to strengthening the primary / secondary care interface in order to improve patient quality and experience whilst making the best use of clinical time and resources. We are pleased to share with you the most recent editions of our 'You Said, We Did' bulletin outlining some of the thematic issues we have received and how processes have been improved.
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2025-03 You said We did - March 2025 | 23/04/2025 |
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2024-09 You said We did -September 2024 | 20/02/2025 |
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2023-12 You said We did -December 2023 | 20/02/2025 |
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2023-03 You said We did -March-2023 | 20/02/2025 |
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2022-03 You said We did -March 2022 | 20/02/2025 |
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2021-09 You said We did -September 2021 | 20/02/2025 |
FHFT and primary care interface development collaborative working reference guide
The purpose of the document is to strengthen the interface arrangements across primary and secondary care and in turn optimise patient care. The guide outlines agreed ways of working for the different clinical professionals within primary and secondary care and covers a wide range of interface situations summarised below. Within the document these can be clicked on to take you to the relevant section:
| Referrals, advice and guidance |
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| Prescribing, results and discharge preparation |
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| Further support and guidance / FHFT GP centre |
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- Outpatients – urgent treatment or short courses should be given by a hospital prescription
- Refer to the Frimley Formulary to confirm the “Traffic Light Classification” for the medication and accompanying guidance on appropriate prescribing responsibilities:
- Red = Prescribing remains with the specialist for the duration of treatment. Send information on the medication being prescribed to primary care so that it can be documented in the medical record but retain prescribing within the specialist setting.
- Amber with shared care = The specialist should initiate prescribing. The duration that prescribing will remain with the specialist prior to requesting shared care will be defined in the shared care document available on the Frimley Formulary. Once the criteria for requesting shared care are met then write to primary care to ask if care can be shared. Include a copy of the shared care document in this communication.
- Amber without shared care or Green = Where a service user has a need for the medication to be started within 14 days then prescribe to the service user an adequate quantity of that medication to meet the service user’s immediate clinical needs until primary care receives the relevant clinic letter and can prescribe accordingly. It is recommended that this be at least 14 days. If the medication is prescribed as a course rather than a long-term treatment, then supply the full course.
Where immediate commencement of medication is not required, the specialist will communicate the details to the primary care clinician to action. The prescriber will also reassure the patient that commencing therapy with the medication is not clinically urgent and it may take some time to process the prescription.
Communication to primary care will include the medication (or class of medication) to be prescribed, duration of medication and relevant information to enable safe prescribing. If local practice and protocols require supply for a longer period, this must be honoured unless alternative local arrangements are agreed.
Background
Most patients with pacemakers do not require ongoing follow-up in the cardiology outpatient service. In addition, the pacing downloads are often performed remotely, with limited patient contact.
This applies only to the finding of AF (atrial fibrillation). Other arrhythmias, including ventricular arrhythmias, will continue to be escalated within the cardiology service. These will continue to be managed with oversight from a cardiology consultant.
Please find below a template letter to the GP/Primary Care Clinician and to the Patient, which has been collaboratively developed and agreed with the Cardiac Network and ICS Clinical Interface Committee (CIC), which includes Primary Care, Secondary care and LMC representatives.
Produced in Collaboration:
Dr Peter Clarkson – Consultant Cardiologist and FPH Lead for Pacing
Dr Sitara Khan – Consultant Cardiologist and FPH Clinical Lead
Dr Nav Chandra - Consultant Cardiologist and Wexham Park Clinical Lead
Dr Dan Mason - Clinical Lead NHS Frimley
Dr Gareth Robinson – Senior Clinical Lead NHS Frimley
Claire Norfolk – Head of Long Term Conditions NHS Frimley
Letter template to the GP/Primary Care Clinician
Dear Dr,
This patient has been found to have atrial fibrillation, as defined by guidelines, on their recent pacemaker check. This check may have been performed remotely.
The burden of AF is x%, the longest episode is x minutes/hours and the highest heart rate during AF is x bpm. The management of this patient is as for any patient with atrial fibrillation, in accordance with guidelines i.e. the presence of a pacemaker does not alter the usual management strategy for AF. We will continue to keep them in pacing clinic for ongoing surveillance of their pacemaker function.
We would be grateful if you could offer them an appointment to review their clinical status, medications and co-morbidities, with a view to initiating anticoagulation and rate control medication as appropriate. We have written separately to the patient and advised them that lifestyle factors such as obesity and excessive alcohol intake are common causative factors for AF. We would also appreciate your help in advising them to address these factors if relevant.
If you feel that the patient would benefit from a review in secondary care with a view to cardioversion or other rhythm-modifying therapy, we will be happy to accept this via a referral to the Arrhythmia service via the general cardiology service on eRS. If you have queries relating to initiating rate-control, please contact us via the Cardiology Advice and Guidance service on eRS.
Thank you.
Your sincerely
The Pacing Team
Frimley Health Foundation Trust
Letter template to the Patient
Dear Mr / Mrs,
We are writing to inform you of the results of your recent pacemaker check, which revealed an irregular heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation (AF). This condition is common with ageing, and many people are unaware that they have it.
In AF, the heart's upper chambers (the atria) do not contract effectively, which can lead to blood stagnation and an increased risk of clot formation. While AF is not life-threatening, it can raise the risk of stroke, so blood thinners may be advised. Please note that this incidental finding of AF does not reflect any malfunction of the pacemaker; the pacing check indicates no concerns regarding the pacemaker itself.
AF can lead to symptoms such as rapid palpitations; however, many individuals remain asymptomatic. The causes include high blood pressure, heart valve disease, and lifestyle factors such as obesity and alcohol intake beyond the recommended limits.
We will ask your GP practice to arrange a routine appointment (alternatively you can initiate this) so that you can be clinically reviewed, including your medications and any co-existing health conditions. This review will enable your GP to assess your suitability for blood thinners and medication to help control your heart rate. Other treatments for your AF will be considered, and you may be referred to hospital for this.
Please contact your GP practice to discuss your treatment options. If you experience any symptoms related to AF, they can refer you to a cardiologist. For more information, please visit the British Heart Foundation website: Atrial fibrillation (AF) – BHF. Their guidance is summarised below.
Yours sincerely,
The Pacing Team
Frimley Health Foundation Trust
Summary of British Heart Foundation guidance
Atrial fibrillation is a complex heart condition with various causes, including high blood pressure, heart valve disease, cardiomyopathy, and diabetes, among others. It can also arise due to lifestyle factors such as alcohol and caffeine consumption, smoking, and stress. Interestingly, even individuals without any known risk factors may develop this condition, with age being a significant contributing factor.
Managing atrial fibrillation is crucial for maintaining a good quality of life. Emotional support is important, especially as the diagnosis can lead to feelings of stress and anxiety. Resources like the British Heart Foundation’s emotional support hub can provide guidance during these challenging times.
In practical terms, individuals need to be mindful of how atrial fibrillation may affect daily activities, including driving and travelling. Consulting with healthcare professionals can help address any concerns or questions related to their condition.
Effective management also hinges on adhering to prescribed medications and making healthy lifestyle choices. A balanced diet, regular physical activity, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, and effectively managing blood pressure and cholesterol are all essential components of a healthy lifestyle. By focusing on these strategies, those living with atrial fibrillation can achieve a fulfilling life while actively managing their condition.
| Thumbnail | Title | Filename | Date Posted | Size |
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Incidental AF on Pacing Checks - Collaboratively developed agreed pathway and process | Incidental_AF_on_Pacing_Checks_-_Collaboratively_developed_agreed_pathway_and_process.docx | 09/07/2025 | 0.07 MB |
| Primary and secondary care interface development - national and local priorities 24 / 25 | ||
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National and local interface priorities |
Action for 24 / 25 |
Date |
1. Improve quality and efficiency of discharges (National and local priorities) |
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| IMPROVE DISCHARGE PROTOCOLS (inc. for urgent requests /blood tests discharge & a min acceptable timeframe for urgent request for GPs [National Priority- Level 2]) | Explore and agree a general consensus around discharge protocol timeframes for follow up requirements in primary care and secondary care e.g. less than x day requirements will be managed by secondary care. | Q4 |
| IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF DISCHARGES AND OPD CORRESPONDENCE INCLUDING – REDUCING DELAYS IN SENDING CORRESPONDENCE [Local Priority] |
Produce and deliver an ‘induction’ pack /training guide for FHFT clinicians covering agreements within the FHFT & Primary Care Collaborative working reference guide (particularly highlighting: Management of results, onward referrals & other elements etc.) | Q3 |
| Continue to audit discharges & implement & embed improvements through the weekly Friday Discharge Improvement meeting. | Q1-4 | |
| Ensure robust processes are in place to monitor and manage delays in sending discharges and other correspondence to primary care | Q4 | |
| Ensure a clear “GP to action” section is visible in all discharges (Nat Req.). Agreed locally to have matching clear sections: “Actions required of General Practice (GP)” and “Actions required of FHFT.” (agreed to pause for ED / UEC areas) | Q3 | |
| Explore feasibility of ‘GP to action’ section in OP correspondence (National Priority) | Q3 | |
| Focus Speciality: Ophthalmology & Clinical Correspondence – clearer fields for New vs FU pt, “Clinical Diagnosis” and ‘GP to action’ & changes section. Reduce use of Acronyms in general (add to reference guide and see if digital support via Epic for all specialties). | Q3 | |
| Strengthen FHFT requesting processes for patient care from virtual clinics within FHFT embedding an updated SOP. | Q3 | |
2. Strengthen digital interfaces between primary and secondary care (local priority) |
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| MORE EFFICIENT REFERRAL STATUS AND TRIAGE OUTCOMES IN ERS (Epic/eRS Interface) |
Share FHFT Waiting time information for key specialities (quarterly) | Q1 |
| Roll out of API to strengthen Digital Interface between Epic and eRS Install further interface developments on Epic/eRS referrals and A&G interface |
Q2 | |
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IMPROVE VISIBILITY OF A&G RESPONSE TAT BY SPECIALITY |
Share FHFT A&G turnaround times by specialty (quarterly) | Q2 |
| REDUCE PAPER CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED BY PRACTICES (often duplication of DOCMAN) by 50% | Initiate task & finish grp – to understand cause of duplicate correspondence received in PC | Q3 |
| Identify & resolve where technically possible correspondence that remains on paper- Cardiology resolved, Endoscopy reports in progress / testing. | Q3 | |
| SUPPORT INCREASE EPIC CARE LINK UPDATE | Re-share uptake and re-promote sign up opportunities Epic Care Link (webinar 26th) | Q3 |
| ROLL OUT ELECTRONIC EMED3 (Fit notes) [Nat. Priority - Level 2] | Roll out electronic fit notes (eMED3) (led by another Epic Trust (UCLH), NHSE & DWP) Also, improve triggers for realistic timeframes. Anticipated roll out early 2025. |
Q4 |
3. Improve the quality and consistency of referrals and A&G use (local priority) - Draft for ICB / PC to support |
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| Draft - for ICB / PC to support and editing IMPROVE THE QUALITY AND APPROPRIATENESS OF REFERRALS TO FHFT – ensuring patients are being managed in the most appropriate setting - supporting optimal patient care inc. prioritisation of patients requiring specialist care, and supporting efficient triaging and onward care (including straight to test) |
Optimising DXS Work programme: 'DXS strategy and assurance.' If all agree DXS is our agreed strategy / method for providing high quality referrals: 1. Ensure forms/pathways are fit for purpose and work for everyone (PC & SC & Pt) 2. Ensure DXS referral forms are available for all key specialties with agreed minimum data sets (MDS) 3. Ensure forms are adopted throughout Primary Care (working with LMC etc.) 4. Increase uptake of DXS with clear performance dashboard (including triangulating referrals, A&G and DXS use etc.) Add metrics e.g. by x%. |
TBC (ICB) |
| Ensure everyone has sight of referral, A&G and waiting time information Review returned referral rates and A&G patterns in triangulation with referral rates and work with outlier practices and services. |
TBC (ICB) |
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| Ensure robust processes in place for non-medical referrals, A&G and diagnostic requesting | TBC (ICB) |
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| Ongoing pathway & transformational developments. Agreed 24/25 Priority – MSK pathway transformation. | TBC (ICB) |
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| Improve Quality of diagnostic requests received (inc. US) 1. Prepare for Roll out of I-refer and Universal ICE Programme (for late 25/26) (BSPS) 2. Consultant education/support sessions arranged in '23 and being repeated in '24. US waits now at 6 wks. PC support TBC. 3. ICS review of direct access to diagnostics in response to National GPDA guidelines (+ linked to UICE & I-refer development) 4. PC to review diagnostic activity requesting |
Q3 n/a Q4 TBC |
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| Effective assessments in PC prior to referral (aligned to ref guide and DXS minimum data sets) - Wording agreed in FHFT / PC Collaborative Working Guide. Further engagement work (above). - Virtual SOP for FHFT (see second section) | TBC (ICB) |
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4. Golden thread - strengthen relationships and understanding across primary and secondary care |
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| GOLDEN THREAD – CONTINUE TO STRENGTHEN RELATIONSHIPS AND UNDERSTANDING ACROSS PRIMARY AND SECONDARY CARE | Strengthen interface connections with Education Events in Primary Care | Q3 |
| Clinical Lead Evenings - Refresh for more FHFT engagement (ideas shared) B | Q3 | |
| Review other ideas and take forward as required e.g. ‘Meet the Team’ / ‘Working Well with our Partners’ workshop, Shadowing/Twinning, Increase F2F meetings e.g. CIC | Q3 | |
| Focused relationship support, troubleshooting and understanding with specific specialties or practice teams (teams identified, first step meetings arranged) | Q3 | |
| Review & Strengthen management / governance structures across ICS meetings (inc. CIC, ESG) & strengthen PCN connections and connections with Provider Collaborative etc. | Q4 | |
| PRIMARY & SECONDARY CARE INTERFACE DEVELOPMENT - NATIONAL & LOCAL PRIORITIES 24/25- Year End Summary | |||
| NATIONAL & LOCAL INTERFACE PRIORITIES | ACTION FOR 24/25 | RAG | 24/25 Year End Summary |
| 1. IMPROVE QUALITY & EFFICIENCY OF DISCHARGES (National & Local Priorities) | |||
| IMPROVE DISCHARGE PROTOCOLS (inc. for urgent requests /blood tests discharge & a min acceptable timeframe for urgent request for GPs [National Priority- Level 2]) | Explore and agree a general consensus around discharge protocol timeframes for follow up requirements in primary care and secondary care e.g. less than x day requirements will be managed by secondary care. |
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Proposed plan drafted and initial discussions around impact and avoiding unintended consequences underway within FHFT. Next Steps in 25/26: To be added to the ‘25/26 Interface Priorities action plan’ for implementation (if agreed). |
| MPROVE THE QUALITY OF DISCHARGES & OPD CORRESPONDENCE INCLUDING – REDUCING DELAYS IN SENDING CORRESPONDENCE [Local Priority] | Produce and deliver an ‘induction’ pack /training guide for FHFT clinicians covering agreements within the FHFT & Primary Care Collaborative working reference guide (particularly highlighting: Management of results, onward referrals & other elements etc.) | Q3 | Induction pack co-produced with CIC GPs and delivered to resident doctors in March 2025. Next steps in 25/26: Embed pack into regular resident doctors/clinical team’s training / briefings and inductions |
| Continue to audit discharges & implement & embed improvements through the weekly Friday Discharge Improvement meeting. | Q1-4 | Monthly Audits completed in 25/2, feeding into the discharge improvement meeting and audit committee. Next Steps in 25/26: Audits to continue in 25/26 – supporting the identification of QI’s and technical/educational solutions. In 25/26 Improving the ‘quality of discharges’ has been set as a 'quality account' priority for the Trust and executive team. As an extension to the programme the medicines reconciliation workstream will continue to drive forward patient safety improvements. | |
| Ensure robust processes are in place to monitor and manage delays in sending discharges and other correspondence to primary care | Q1/2 25/26 | Dashboard in place for outpatient correspondence currently showing 94% outpatient letters are sent within 7 days. Next Steps in 25/26: Further work is ongoing to produce a similar work for discharge summaries. To be added to the ‘25/26 Interface Priorities action plan’ for implementation. | |
| Ensure a clear “GP to action” section is visible in all discharges (National Req. within PCARP). | Q3 | Agreed locally to have matching clear sections: “Actions required of General Practice (GP)” and “Actions required of FHFT.” This was migrated into inpatient discharge summaries in July 24. Next Steps in 25/26: to review implementing in ED/SDEC discharge summaries (previously paused). | |
| Explore feasibility of ‘GP to action’ section in OP correspondence (National Priority) | Q3 | In Jan 25 the ICS CIC agreed to proceed further with including the “Actions required of General Practice (GP)” section on the clinic letter templates. Next steps in 25/26: Further implementation and communication within 25/26. | |
| Focus Speciality: Ophthalmology & Clinical Correspondence – clearer fields for New vs FU pt, “Clinical Diagnosis” and ‘GP to action’ & changes section. Reduce use of Acronyms / abbreviations in general (add to reference guide and see if digital support via Epic for all specialties). | Q3 | A digital guide has been created and circulated internally on digital solutions for reducing acronyms & abbreviations both when using our dictating software or typing content directly in Epic. We have worked closely with the Ophthalmology team who have reviewed their templates with the aim of removing any existing acronyms. Next steps in 25/26: Re-audit of Ophthalmology clinic letters/templates planned for 25/26 to track improvement around reducing acronyms and the clear recording of medication. | |
| Strengthen FHFT requesting processes for patient care from virtual clinics within FHFT embedding an updated SOP. | Q3 | SOP developed, agreed and shared with all clinical teams, available on FHFT Intranet for all staff to access. | |
| 2. STRENGTHEN DIGITAL INTERFACES BETWEEN PRIMARY & SECONDARY CARE (Local Priority) | |||
| MORE EFFICIENT REFERRAL STATUS & TRIAGE OUTCOMES IN ERS (Epic/eRS Interface) | Share FHFT Waiting time information for key specialities (quarterly) | Q1 | Shared April and November ‘24. Next Steps 25/26: will continue as BAU quarterly in 25/26. |
| Roll out of API to strengthen Digital Interface between Epic and eRS. Install further interface developments on Epic/eRS referrals and A&G interface | Q2 |
API/ Hyperdrive went live in June 24 enabling multiple daily uploads of referrals from eRS into Epic and triage comments from Epic going back into eRS. This is a significant improvement on efficiency and timely information being sent back to primary care. Next Steps 25/26: Further development working is happening in 25/26 to improve the efficiency and process for A&G requests |
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| PROVE VISIBILITY OF A&G RESPONSE TAT BY SPECIALITY |
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Q2 | Shared April and Nov ‘24 (mean response wait for Sept 24 = 7 days). Next Steps 25/26: to continue as BAU with a quarterly report in 25/26 |
| EDUCE PAPER CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED BY PRACTICES (often duplication of DOCMAN) by 50% |
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Q3 | Group established in May ‘24 - Action plan agreed looking at 4 key areas to drive improvements: Digital Capabilities within Epic; Education and learning; Docman duplicate rejections; and reporting/Informatics to understand themes. |
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Q3 |
- Cardiology correspondence was being sent to practices in the North via post rather than electronically. Investigated with service & rectified workflow issue - all Cardiology correspondence is now going electronically to GPs. - Endoscopy: Testing is currently underway to send Endoscopy reports via Docman- pending on working solution to implement in 25/26 |
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| SUPPORT INCREASE EPIC CARE LINK UPDATE | Re-share uptake and re-promote sign up opportunities EpicCare Link (ECL) | Q3 |
Next Steps in 25/26: Continue to support ICB with:
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| OLL OUT ELECTRONIC EMED3 (Fit notes) [Nat. Priority - Level 2] | Roll out electronic fit notes (eMED3) (led by another Epic Trust (UCLH), NHSE & DWP). Also, improve triggers for realistic timeframes. Anticipated roll out early 2025. | Q1 25/26 | Epic build and planned process completed and ready for roll out, after the ReSPECT electronic form roll out. Next steps in 25/26: To added to the ‘25/26 interface priorities action plan’ – to be rolled out by Q1/2 25/26. |
| 3. IMPROVE THE QUALITY & CONSISTENCY OF REFERRALS & A&G USE (Local Priority) – ICB / PC TO SUPPORT | |||
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RAFT - FOR ICB / PC TO SUPPORT & EDITING IMPROVE THE QUALITY & APPROPRIATENESS OF REFERRALS TO FHFT – ensuring patients are being managed in the most appropriate setting - supporting optimal patient care inc. prioritisation of patients requiring specialist care, and supporting efficient triaging and onward care (including straight to test) |
Optimising DXS Work programme: 'DXS strategy and assurance.' If all agree DXS is our agreed strategy / method for providing high quality referrals: 1. Ensure forms/pathways are fit for purpose and work for everyone (PC & SC & Pt) 2. Ensure DXS referral forms are available for all key specialties with agreed minimum data sets (MDS) |
TBC (ICB) |
Several key speciality DXS forms have been reviewed and updated, including introducing more DXS smart functionality. Next steps in 25/26: Further work required in 25/26 to optimise DXS should this continue to be the direction of travel. |
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Ensure everyone has sight of referral, A&G and waiting time information. Review returned referral rates and A&G patterns in triangulation with referral rates and work with outlier practices and services. |
TBC (ICB) |
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TBC (ICB) |
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Ongoing pathway & transformational developments. Agreed 24/25 Priority – MSK pathway transformation. |
TBC (ICB) |
TBC (ICB) |
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Improve Quality of diagnostic requests received (inc. US) 1. Prepare for Roll out of I-refer and Universal ICE Programme (for late 25/26) (BSPS)
4. PC to review diagnostic activity requesting |
Q3 | BSPS have a fully developed programme. Incl. GP pilot sites supporting development & testing. | |
| n/a | Consultant radiology GP support sessions arranged in '23 & '24, with significant US wait improvements to 6 wks. | ||
| 25/26 | ICS Diagnostics Prog Director – Leading on a review of current & future status against nat. requirements. | ||
| TBC | TBC (ICB) to discuss for 25/26 if prioritised | ||
| Effective assessments in PC prior to referral (aligned to ref guide & DXS minimum data sets) - Wording agreed in FHFT / PC Collaborative Working Guide. Further engagement work (above) | TBC (ICB) | TBC (ICB) | |
| 4. GOLDEN THREAD - STRENGTHEN RELATIONSHIPS & UNDERSTANDING ACROSS PRIMARY AND SECONDARY CARE | |||
| GOLDEN THREAD – CONTINUE TO STRENGTHEN RELATIONSHIPS AND UNDERSTANDING ACROSS PRIMARY AND SECONDARY CARE |
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Q3 | Robust process in place to link Frimley North & South GP Leads with sharing ‘hot topics’ in Primary and Secondary care for education and agenda setting for PLT events and Lunchtime/evening Q&A webinars etc. Now and next timetable in place. |
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Q3 | Refreshed Clinical Leads evenings took place in 24/25 with increased FHFT representation. Next steps 25/26: ICB commitment to run a further 4 within 25/26. | |
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Review other ideas and take forward as required e.g. ‘Meet the Team’/ ‘Working Well with our Partners’ workshop, Shadowing/Twinning, Increase F2F meetings e.g. CIC |
Q3 | Review of relationship/engagement opportunities took place from a patient-specific to a population-wide interactions. Recommendations made of where improvements could be made in 24/25. As above and below progress made in specific areas including Clinical Leads evening, Face to Face CIC, Education and interface sessions with Secondary care e.g. with cardiology. Next steps in 25/26: Next F2F meeting planned for May 25 and further engagement required. ICB are undertaking a BC for further interface opportunities, including exploring shadowing etc. | |
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Q3 | -October 24 - ICS CIC face-to-face meeting with a focus on Cardiology to discuss / prioritise interface QI improvements and agree actions including - Echo recall process; Referral form; Incidental findings following Pacemaker checks; GP/education support; tone on returned referrals and A&Gs. With the support of the Cardiac Network and CIC. In all areas actions have been taken to improve processes with some initial positive feedback received.
-As well as CIC and other regular interface meetings. FHFT hold monthly Primary Interface meetings with PC Managers (Frimley and Bucks) along with attending Practice Managers meeting across all places to also support. -ICS Primary Care eRS/DXS Admin Webinar held July 2024 very successful and good attendance. Existing teams channel for PC Admin for Q&A support working well. |
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Q4 | Good connections between CIC and ESG and connections strengthened in 24/25 between ICB Quality Clinical Feedback, FHFT Interface team and PALs and Education across FHFT and ICB/PC. Next steps in 25/26: review governance in light of ICB restructures and review further connections with the Provider collaborative and CRG (where required). | |
The below table shows the main ways FHFT communicates key messages with primary care and then re-iterates these messages in other forums (depending on the relevance and importance).
| Key message communication channel from FHFT to PC (decision based on impact / urgency) |
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High impact / urgent
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Medium - high impact / less urgent
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| FRIMLEY ICS SYSTEM COMMAND CENTRE (SCC) EMAIL COMMUNICATION | FRIMLEY ICS GP/ PPRIMARY CARE WEEKLY BULLETIN | ||
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Key messages are then repeated further through the following channels and meetings
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| Included in additional communication channels: | |||
| Monthly comms summary email - to all clinical managerial leads and LMC |
ICS CIC - key topics and monthly comms summary is a standing agenda item |
ICS admin MS Teams channel - key / relevant topics |
Bi-weekly GP briefing slides and / or via presenters |
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| Monthly primary care managers meeting (standing agenda item) | Primary care admin support webinars | ISC clinical speciality delivery groups and operational groups | Frimley training hub - monthly group to support agenda setting |
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| DXS | FHFT GP centre website | 'You said We did' | FHFT and PC collaborative working reference guide |
Note - If a communication is Place-specific but not high enough importance/impact for the SCC route AND the item has missed the cut off for the weekly GP bulletin (above) – the communication will be sent via the ICB primary care managers to disseminate to their practices. This should be requested rarely, and we would request confirmation of receipt of the email and distribution of the communication.
* The GP / PC bulletin and SCC are also shared with Buckinghamshire practices via the Buckinghamshire management / communication structures
Frimley ICB primary care bulletin
All GP / primary care bulletins can be found at: NHS Frimley - GP bulletin archive. The bulletin is managed by Frimley ICB but includes key messages from FHFT to primary care.
If you have any questions relating to any of the material in this email or have any suggestions for how we could improve this, please email: frimleyicb.
Clinical Feedback’s main purpose is to provide an insight to quality and safety issues encountered by all services to Frimley ICB and to facilitate learning and improvement. Please refer to the clinical feedback below to find the best route for your enquiry.
If you require any further assistance, please email the Frimley ICB Quality team: frimleyicb.
If you have any further thematic concerns/interface improvement ideas, please raise these with our FHFT Interface development team fhft.
For urgent, patient-specific concerns primary care should contact the service direct. If you have any problems contact PALS:
For services at Frimley Park Hospital 0300 613 6530 (urgent) fhft.
For services at Heatherwood Hospital or Wexham Park Hospital 0300 615 3706 (urgent) fhft.
Discharge support - Key contacts can be found at the bottom of every key speciality discharge letter
Discharge and ward support - Ward contact details
Urgent clinical advice support directory - Urgent advice
Clinical admin / specialty support - Referrals and key contacts
Buckinghamshire GPs
For clinical concerns relating to patient’s in Buckinghamshire please discuss with your ICB quality team: bobicb-bucks.
Frimley ICB clinical feedback process
This process is designed to help us collate healthcare professionals’ feedback about local health and social care services.
We intend to use this feedback to highlight areas of our system where quality improvement works could benefit the service user, promote equitable and efficient services, and to spread innovation and best practice. We are also interested in hearing about positive experiences as well as those that may have not gone so well.
This supports our aim to continuously improve care and treatment for our local population. “This is not a system for reporting patient safety incidents and is not an urgent response service – please use LFPSE (Learning from Patient Safety Events) or your local reporting system.”
| Patterns emerging / repetition of similar themes identified | |
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| Raise clinical feedback through the link: https:// or via email frimleyicb. |
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Frimley ICB, led by the quality team will:
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CF themes summary provided to reporters (both primary and secondary care) with quality improvement updates via:
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Discussions / resolutions / further themes raised at:
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